Malzahn’s offense will be facing a tough task on Saturday for the Iron Bowl, when it faces an Alabama defense that ranks first nationally in rush, pass efficiency, total and scoring defense.

“We’re going to have to execute every play,” Malzahn said. “They are a very, very good defense. They have veteran guys at every position. They are very rarely out of position. That will be a challenge. We’ve got to execute whether it’s a run or pass or anything like that.”

With Saturday’s game against the Crimson Tide, Auburn will have faced four of the top five teams nationally in total defense (Alabama, LSU, Georgia and South Carolina).

The game will be the 64th consecutive meeting between the Tigers and Crimson Tide and the 76th meeting overall. Auburn has won seven of the last 10 meetings and 11 of the last 20 against Alabama.

Additionally, Auburn hosts ESPN College Football GameDay for the Iron Bowl. It is the seventh time GameDay has visited Auburn and the second time for the Iron Bowl. Overall, it is GameDay's fourth on-site visit to the Iron Bowl.

Auburn (7-4, 4-3 SEC) and Alabama (10-1, 6-1 SEC) kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game will air on CBS.